Sony Xperia 1 VIII: 7 Features Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Dropped

In an era where flagship smartphones increasingly rely on software and AI enhancements, the Sony Xperia 1 VIII distinguishes itself by preserving several hardware features that are becoming rare in modern devices. Unveiled on May 13, 2026, this smartphone presents a strong alternative to Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra, which has sacrificed many of these attributes for a sleeker design. Here’s a look at the seven notable features that the Xperia 1 VIII retains, all of which Samsung has chosen to eliminate.

1. Retained 3.5mm Headphone Jack

The Xperia 1 VIII includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, enabling users to connect wired headphones directly. This contrasts with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which has followed the trend of removing this essential audio port. For audiophiles and content creators, wired audio offers lower latency, eliminates battery dependency, and avoids issues related to Bluetooth audio compression.

2. Expandable Storage via microSD Card Slot

Since the Galaxy S21, Samsung has removed expandable storage, a trend that continues with the Galaxy S26 Ultra. In contrast, the Xperia 1 VIII features a hybrid SIM tray that supports a microSD card, giving users the option to expand their storage as needed. This is particularly important for photographers and videographers dealing with high-resolution content, allowing for efficient storage management without high upfront costs.

3. True Front-Facing Stereo Speakers

Unlike the hybrid audio setup in the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which uses a downward-firing speaker and an earpiece speaker, the Xperia 1 VIII offers genuine front-facing stereo speakers. This design improves the audio experience by directing sound towards the user, making it ideal for gaming, video streaming, and video calls.

4. Dedicated Two-Stage Camera Shutter Button

The Xperia 1 VIII features a physical camera shutter button, allowing for traditional photography controls—half-press to focus and full press to capture. This feature is missing in the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which relies entirely on on-screen controls. For serious photographers, the tactile feedback and precision of a physical shutter button are essential, especially in dynamic shooting situations.

5. Larger Camera Sensors

Sony has equipped the Xperia 1 VIII with 48MP sensors across its rear cameras, featuring larger sensors for both telephoto and ultra-wide options. In contrast, the Galaxy S26 Ultra's telephoto sensor is smaller, which may affect low-light performance and depth of field effects. While Samsung offers superior zoom capabilities, Sony’s hardware emphasizes light capture, noise reduction, and overall image quality.

6. ZEISS Optics and Alpha Camera DNA

The Xperia 1 VIII takes advantage of Sony’s imaging expertise, incorporating ZEISS T* anti-reflective coatings and RAW multi-frame processing. This provides a significant edge for photographers seeking manual controls and natural color representation. Samsung, meanwhile, relies heavily on computational photography, which, while effective, does not match the level of optical sophistication found in the Xperia.

7. A Cleaner Android Experience

Running on Android 16, the Xperia 1 VIII provides a near-stock experience, free from the heavy bloatware often associated with Samsung's One UI. This appeals to purists and power users, although Samsung offers a more comprehensive software support system, with seven years of updates compared to Sony’s four years.

Pricing and Availability

The Xperia 1 VIII is set to launch on June 19, 2026, with pre-orders available in Europe and select Asian markets, starting at €1,499 / £1,399 for the 12GB/256GB model. The premium 16GB/1TB edition will retail for up to €1,999 / £1,849. Notably, Sony is bundling WH-1000XM6 headphones with pre-orders in select regions.

In comparison, the Galaxy S26 Ultra launched globally in February 2026, starting at $1,299 / £1,279 for its 256GB variant, also available in higher storage configurations.

The Bigger Picture

While the Xperia 1 VIII may not outsell the Galaxy S26 Ultra due to its limited market reach—particularly in the US—its launch highlights the ongoing demand for traditional hardware features in flagship smartphones. For users who prioritize audio quality, expandable storage, and advanced photography controls, the Xperia 1 VIII represents a significant shift from current trends exemplified by Samsung.

Although the Galaxy S26 Ultra remains the more mainstream choice for general users, the Xperia 1 VIII appeals to those who value the hardware options of the past, making it a compelling alternative for specific audiences.